Protesters holding a demonstration against council putting down two dogs owned by Shannon Holt and partner Evan Jeremiejczyk. Pictured is Kim Jeremiejczyk with her protest sign. Picture: Tanya Fry.

Frankston Council announced this afternoon that the two dogs, Charlie and Sharni, had been euthanised.

In a lengthy statement, mayor Darrel Taylor stated that the dogs had been “humanely euthanised by a qualified veterinary practitioner”.

“This decision was not taken lightly. Our council considers every such case carefully based on all the information available to ensure we act responsibly on behalf of our community,” he said.

“Due to the legal and case review process, council has not been in a position to fully respond to some provocative media coverage.”

Cr Taylor acknowledged 11th hour efforts to save the dogs, including a push for them to be sent interstate.

“While offers to assess and rehouse the dogs were received from interstate, these offers were made without full knowledge of the circumstances and the history of the animals,” he said.

“Council did not accept these offers as they could not give a 100 per cent guarantee the dogs would not be a risk to people and animals when re-released into a community.

“Council was not prepared to hand over our legal and moral responsibilities.

“It is council’s responsibility to investigate and prosecute domestic animal attacks. Council will determine the future of the attacking animal and, where there is sufficient evidence, may humanely euthanase in the best interests of the broader community.”

Cr Taylor said the council reinforced its message of responsible pet ownership, including that dogs must be kept securely on their premises and kept on a lead when outside the premises unless within a designated off-leash area.

Supporters furiously lobbied last week for the dogs to be saved, but this was rejected by Frankston Council.

Ms Holt told the Leader last week that funds from an anonymous donor had already been soaked up in legal fees and neither she nor Mr Jeremiejczyk had the money for a Supreme Court challenge to the council’s decision.

She said she and Mr Jeremiejczyk were financially and emotionally exhausted by the battle to save the dogs.

Ms Holt and Mr Jeremiejczyk pleaded guilty to a range of charges including having a dog at large and dog attack serious injury causing death at the Frankston Magistrates’ Court in February.